Moving abroad: planning for your healthcare

Studying abroad

If you're going to another European Economic Area (EEA) country to study as part of a UK-recognised course, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You will also need one for any dependants you may have. Your cover will last the duration of your course.

You cannot apply online or via phone for an EHIC to study in another European Economic Area (EEA) country. You should download the EHIC application form (PDF, 122kb) instead and return it to the NHS Business Services Authority, which processes all applications.

Make sure that when you submit your EHIC application, you include copies of the documentation listed below.

Name and address of the UK educational institution.

Address where you are studying overseas.

Period of study.

Details of the qualification you are studying for

The course is not part of a UK recognised course

If you're going to another member state to study a course that is not recognised in the UK, you are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the first 12 months only. After that you will need to register for state healthcare in the country where you are studying or obtain private insurance.

Your EHIC application will need to include,

Address of where you will be studying abroad.

Period of study.

Details of the qualification you're studying for.

Studying in a country outside the EEA

If you're going to study in a country outside the EEA, you will not be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK while you are studying.

However, anyone who is studying outside the EEA for less than six months in one of the following countries is entitled to emergency care or immediately necessary treatment that arises during the period of study abroad: